Wednesday, October 16, 2013

At the Well



Today I am participating in Proverbs 31 Ministries' blog hop as we study A Confident Heart by Renee Swope.  This is an online Bible Study which will be taking place over the next nine weeks.  

For today's blog hop topic I read chapter 2 of Renee's book and looked at the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John chapter 4.  As I read the story, our study leader Melissa Taylor challenged us to ask God to meet us in the story, see if there are areas of our hearts that need repair, and identify similarities between our story and the Samaritan woman's.



image courtesy of wikimedia.org


The story of the Samaritan woman in John chapter 4 touches me on so many levels.  From the way Jesus gets straight to the heart of the matter to the way he seeks out this woman who had probably been rejected by her community for years.  I love how Renee Swope points out in her book A Confident Heart that while most Jews simply traveled around Samaria to avoid having anything to do with this loathed people, Jesus was very intentional about going through Samaria.  He knew his Father had work for him to do there. 

I can identify with the woman at the well because like her, I often try to avoid the issues which most deeply affect my heart.  As Renee talks about in chapter 2, I often would rather tell people I'm "fine" than delve into the problems of my life, fearing that the burden would be too heavy for most or that I will push people away.  Other times, I feel as though my troubles are trivial in comparison to what's going on in someone else's life.  I begin thinking about those living in third world countries who struggle to provide food and clean water to their families, and wonder why I can't seem to handle all the resources and blessings God has given me in a responsible way.

I believe the Samaritan woman deeply desired just to be seen.  To be loved for who she was.  She was with her fifth man, a man who didn't even want to commit to being her husband.  Often, I struggle with the desire to be seen also, and lately, what I feel God pressing repeatedly onto my heart is "I see you."  I believe it's a lifelong lesson but it's one I've really been in the trenches of lately.

Being a stay-at-home mom is often a thankless job.  I love my children with all of my heart and I do not question my decision to devote my time to them, but often I just want more of…something.  I started blogging about four months ago because although I've been writing since a very young age, I felt as though God was pushing me to share my writing with others.  Often, when I look at my statistics, I wonder why I continue.  And then I hear God gently saying again, "Keep going.  I see you.  I will complete the work I started in you."

My dream is become a published writer for Women's Ministry.  I believe this is a God-given dream that he has placed in my heart, and that He will see it to fruition.  But like so many women, I often doubt myself.  I am hoping through this study, I will replace my doubts with confidence.  I know that God's timing is always perfect, but as humans we often want to just get to the finish line, get the next item checked off our list, and see instant results.  But this boxed way of thinking is not how an infinite God operates.

God, help me to see that your plans are always better than my own.  You cause all things to work for good for those who love you.  I love you so much, God, and although I often feel weak, because your power is made perfect through my weakness, I am strong.  Thank you so much for this promise.  In Jesus name, Amen.




P31 OBS Blog Hop

14 comments:

  1. Wow, what a wonderful writer you are! I am so impressed. Your words speak to my heart... And it amazes me how we both struggle with the same fears and doubts. Thank you for your beautiful insight to a woman' soul. Keep on keeping on! 😇

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Michelle. I look forward to reading more of your posts and am excited about this study!

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing this. Please keep writing and sharing! I too can relate to wanting to write yet seeing that no one comments or follows my blog. Be encouraged!

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    1. Thank you for stopping here and for the encouragement! You make my heart smile. :)

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  3. Please keep a confident heart and sharing God's word!

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    1. I will. I will focus on His promises. Thank you for stopping here!

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  4. Circle your dream with prayer! And with preparation! Only you know what God is laying on your heart to write about. I read Sharon Jaynes blog and she mentioned her dream to write a book on a specific topic. She collected articles, stats, keeps recordings. She and a friend started speaking and the next thing she knew, someone was asking if there was book in the works! My point is ... pray over it. Prepare for it! :) God will get you there!!

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    1. That is such great advice, Vivian. And I know when we say "yes" to God amazing things happen. Thank you for your encouragement!

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  5. Thank you for opening your heart through your blog. Keep writing...God is working through your words.

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    1. That is such a blessing to hear, Tina. Thank you.

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  6. Oh Abby! How easy it is for me to avoid the issues which most deeply affect my heart, too. I was very encouraged by your prayer of love and thanksgiving for the #PerfectLove God makes available to us 24/7.

    Missy Pettigrew (Small Group Leader & Prayer Team)

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    1. I'm so glad you were encouraged, Missy! I am so grateful God is always here with me. Thank you for your kind words.

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  7. Wow thank you for posting, just jumped on board for this Bible Study and have been moved more than I could have imagined. Your words resignate with me as well, as I too often avoid my heart's deepest issues. I would rather tell people and myself that I am fine, just so others would think I have it together. But then I feel guilty when I see others in greater need or pain and blame myself for not taking greater opportunity with the gifts/blessings God has given me. Thank you for posting again, what I was feeling but could not put into words, you did wonderfully! I have quoted you in my journal because at first when asked how do I identify myself with the woman at the well, all I could think about was infidelity, and so I could not relate, but you pointed out that we all have deep issues....and that got me thinking.

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    1. I am so glad you stopped here and that the words moved you. That means so much. This study has blessed me more than I could have imagined too and it's so wonderful to be able to encourage people all over the world. Have a wonderful weekend.

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